"“It’s the sheer amount of travel involved in this tournament,” said Freddie Daley, a researcher at the University of Sussex. Even more than the geography, this year’s event also includes 60% more games than in the past; FIFA expanded the number of teams from 32 to 48, so some 5 million fans will be traveling from around the world to watch. “The expanded tournament, twinned with its geographical span, means that it’s by far the most emissions-intensive World Cup that we’ve ever seen,” Daley said."
"“Jet exhaust is a major contributor to climate change, 3% to 4% of all warming, and air travel is usually the biggest contributor to carbon emissions from major sporting events.” The most dedicated and affluent fans will be flying longer distances than ever before to follow their teams around during the games. The combination of expanded teams and a wider host footprint increases the number of trips and the distance traveled by supporters."
"Eight games will be played in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, beginning with the U.S. men’s national team’s opening match on June 12 and ending with a quarterfinal July 10. Los Angeles World Airports spokesperson Brian Denney estimates 290,000 visitors will come through LAX, about 40% from outside the United States. Because of the worldwide decline in travel due to fuel prices, however, commercial flights into LAX will net about the same as this time last year."
The men’s World Cup in mid-June brings nearly 300,000 fans to Los Angeles as FIFA stages the tournament across 16 stadiums in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Climate scientists and advocates call it the most polluting World Cup in history because climate change is worsening and heat risks are rising. FIFA has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, yet the event includes 60% more games than in the past after expanding teams from 32 to 48. The expanded tournament and wide geography increase travel, with jet exhaust contributing 3% to 4% of all warming and air travel often driving emissions from major sporting events. Many fans will fly longer distances to follow teams, increasing emissions further.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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